By José Gandue @Gandour
I recall the observation of a local music critic who was horrified to see how, with digital recording technology, It was possible to reinvent the artists' songs through the relocation of the instruments in the sound spectrum. The character, pretending to be a devoted follower of analog techniques, accused Pro Tools and other similar programs of opening up the possibility of to create Frankensteins willing to invade our ears with impunity. The character will surely blaspheme upon learning that Bomba Estéreo For this Christmas season, the Colombian group presents a compilation of reworked versions of the songs included on their latest album. With the help of a select group of international DJs, they are releasing this new collection., Sunrise Remix.
What's the game here? In this inventory of remixes, the goal is for the guest artists, with a spirit of experimentation, revitalize the original recordings and adapt them even further for the global disco scene. Although the traditional audience, including the aforementioned music critic, may consider this a condemnable abomination and a despicable trick by record companies, Considering musical works as material that can be reinterpreted is a fun task, if done with respect. And in this case, the truth is that the result is entertaining, at times bold, but always mindful that each reinvention work starts from an admirable original result.
The mixtures do not depart from the obvious Latin meaning of the work. But in the sonic swell, you can feel jolts of EDM, House, and Kuduro. Some old vocal distortion tricks and extreme bass sounds, typical of a party atmosphere, are noticeable. At times the vocoder is overdone, and the reggaeton influence is immediately apparent., But things are still working out well. The mission was to fulfill the goal of making people dance more energetically with songs that were born to shake anyone up.
There is one version worth highlighting: Root, in the hands of Nicola Cruz, an Ecuadorian born in France, whose personal work It contains an extremely delightful experimental spirit. Cruz knows how to accelerate, with sometimes imperceptible details, the jungle atmosphere that the initial recording, and without losing the exotic excitement of the beginning, gives it greater intensity. Cruz knows how to highlight the beauty of the subject and, in his version, adds to its beauty.
Apart from the 11 remixes, Bomba Estéreo presents a new track called Heart, a recording that, if you'll pardon my observation, It looks like it was made by a follower of David Bowie's later years, dipping his toes in the Caribbean Sea. The result of this production is curious and striking in its difference. Perhaps it's a hint of the band's new sonic directions. Who knows…
Dawn remixed It is a compilation that should be viewed without worry and without prejudice. It's made to keep you dancing, and that's not a bad thing. Some bored people, like our friend the critic, will tune out and rant as they go. Bomba Estéreo invites us to join their party with new mixes, and honestly, There's no reason to complain.